9800GT question

[DeathCrush]

Greetings all. I have a question regarding 9800 GT's (specifically the MSI 9800GT). I was going to email them with the question, but you have to jump through hoops in order just to do that.

Anyways, I just got a nice 9800GT with 512mb of memory on it. Unfortunately the manual says that I need a minimum of a 400 watt power supply with a minimum of 26A on the 12V line. The power supply I have is a 500 watt Enermax with 22A PER 12V line (there are two 12V lines on it). The two lines combined has around 32A or 34A. Is this 26A minimum for the combined 12V lines? or does the power supply actually have to have at least 26A per 12V line. The darn instructions are never clear anymore.

I am starting to think that it in fact does to have 26A per line as graphically my machine is starting to get a bit flakey. I have tried backing off drivers and even my xorg-server but still no luck.

Thanks a lot, I figure someone in here would know the answer instead of having to give out a ton of personal information just to ask MSI.

[DeathCrush]

Ya know, now that I look at it, maybe this question should be moved into the "Computer ain't workin'" section. Sorry about that!

[crenn]

Run 3D Mark Vantage, if it crashes, there is a problem. I'd say combined lines since I'm using an MSI 9800GTX+ on a dual rail 850W PSU and it's running fine.

[Luke122]

I disagree with combined.. I say 26a each. That's my professional wild ass guess, but it makes the most sense to me. If it's flakey, that would explain it.

[nevermind1534]

I say combined, but if you're having problems, trying a better power supply definitely wouldn't do any harm, except maybe to your wallet.

[Spawn-Inc]

it's combined.


Run 3D Mark Vantage, if it crashes, there is a problem. I'd say combined lines since I'm using an MSI 9800GTX+ on a dual rail 850W PSU and it's running fine.
i agree and am doing the same thing. though i have 5 rails of 12v.

mine is 68amps combined. (24amp per rail)

[nevermind1534]

When they say how many watts the PSU, it's just a generalization, and can vary with between different power supplies, and it can with all of the components in the computer, really.

[DeathCrush]

Yea, I am probably going to end up getting a new power supply. I haven't found many that can push at least 26A per 12V line. I know Enermax has one that will - plus it seems to be getting good reviews from all of the hardware review sites.

I know that the power supply requirements are just generalizations (probably why most now give an amperage requirement instead of just voltage now, just so you can get a better idea). I am pushing quite a bit of hardware with this one as it is so I would not be surprised if it was power related at all.

Unfortunately I cannot give 3D mark a try because I am running Linux, although most openGL applications are giving me grief right now, so I think that is a good enough test.

[FuzzyPlushroom]

If it's flaky, give another PSU a try. Otherwise, I'd bet on it being fine - the thing doesn't take up anywhere close to 26a on its own, it's assuming that anything that you'd be running it on will need at least 25a between all of its +12v rails. The CPU, for example, probably isn't on the same rail as the PCI Express connector/s, so if the card needs ten amps to itself (that's probably a bit high, but it's a fair guess, as it's a newer nVidia card) and you don't have a really high-powered system otherwise (couple hard drives, single CPU), you should be all right.

[DeathCrush]

If it's flaky, give another PSU a try. Otherwise, I'd bet on it being fine - the thing doesn't take up anywhere close to 26a on its own, it's assuming that anything that you'd be running it on will need at least 25a between all of its +12v rails. The CPU, for example, probably isn't on the same rail as the PCI Express connector/s, so if the card needs ten amps to itself (that's probably a bit high, but it's a fair guess, as it's a newer nVidia card) and you don't have a really high-powered system otherwise (couple hard drives, single CPU), you should be all right.

Haha, that's the issue, I do have a rather high powered system. I'm going to get a new power supply once I get some more money. For now I am just going to put my 7600 back in to prevent anything from being strained too hard. I will let you all know the outcome though! Thanks for the help.

[Spawn-Inc]

what brand are you looking at for the new psu? i would very seriously check out corsair they make wicked psu's.

[progbuddy]

what brand are you looking at for the new psu? i would very seriously check out corsair they make wicked psu's.

I agree. Corsair, Fortron Source, or Hiper will get the job done. It's combined rails, by the way. I had to find this out to run my 4870 on a 550 watt dual rail PSU. lol

[DeathCrush]

Yikes a full month and a day later and I finally respond. I got my new power supply and hooked it up not too long ago. I settled on an Enermax Infinti. It got very good reviews and I have always had good luck with their PSUs.

Being a hobbyist electrician I decided to void the warranty and take it apart and look inside. I must say that it is a very nicely designed unit. This model line is being phased out so I was able to get it for $160 with a $60 rebate on it - good deal! I say snag one of these things while you still can if you're looking for a new one!

Anyways, my 9800GT seems to perform much better now so it must have been a power related issue. Although it is now giving me grief when I run D3D applications under Wine, however I am going to attribute that to problems with the latest nvidia-drivers as OpenGL applications run better than ever. The 177 drivers were causing problems with my 7600GT as well so it looks like it is time to start sending bug reports.

Thanks again for the help!